Redskins 9, Bears 7

X's AND O's

Tribune reporter John Mullin is handing out grades, not kisses and hugs.

September 12, 2005|By John Mullin, Tribune staff reporter

OFFENSIVE LINE

EDGE: Redskins

The Redskins' "Dirtbags" controlled the line. The Bears' line gave away 23 yards on four trips to the line with three false starts and one sack to end a potential winning fourth-quarter drive.

QUARTERBACKS

EDGE: Redskins

Kyle Orton generally avoided turnovers but blew a scoring chance by throwing an interception into quadruple coverage. Mark Brunell was adequate off the bench.

RUNNING BACKS

EDGE: Redskins

Clinton Portis now is averaging 152 yards in three games against the Bears. Chris Cooley's receiving hurt, and Ladell Betts added 41 rushing yards. Thomas Jones was limited to 31 yards, and the Bears now want more from Cedric Benson.

SPECIAL TEAMS

EDGE: Redskins

Mark Bradley's kickoff returns and Bernard Berrian's punt returns were unacceptable, and Berrian lost a fumble. John Hall's field goals from 40, 43 and 19 yards finished what the Redskins' offense couldn't.

COACHING

EDGE: Redskins

Flags weren't thrown against the coaches, but the Bears gave away more than twice as many yards in penalties (86) as they gained rushing (41). Washington varied blitz packages to disrupt Orton's rhythm.

SECONDARY

EDGE: Redskins

Nathan Vasher intercepted one pass and had another nullified by a penalty on Mike Green. Too many third-and-longs were converted by the Redskins.

LINEBACKERS

EDGE: Bears

Lance Briggs' sack ended a second-quarter scoring threat and forced a fumble. Brian Urlacher was credited with eight tackles and one assist.

RECEIVERS

EDGE: Redskins

Muhsin Muhammad was the best wide receiver on the field, but the Bears failed to consistently contain Santana Moss, David Patten or James Thrash.

DEFENSIVE LINE

EDGE: Redskins

Ex-Bear Phillip Daniels blocked two third-down passes in the first quarter. Cornelius Griffin finished the Bears with a sack, forced fumble and fumble recovery. Adewale Ogunleye collected a first-quarter sack, but the Bears were moved off the ball up front too often.